Sbragia Family Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Sbragia Family
Fruit from Monte Rosso’s red soils produces wine that is elegant and rich with intense flavors and good acidity. Inky purple in color this wine showcases concentrated old-vine Cabernet aromas and flavors of saturated black fruits and cassis with hints of mint, spice and minerality. The wine has the characteristic tannins of a refined mountain Cabernet, yet also has a velvety texture and a juicy and long finish thanks to the addition of a touch of Cabernet Franc.
Wine Advocate
The brilliant 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso Vineyard exhibits a loamy, earthy character interwoven with notions of cedar, fruitcake, spice, and oodles of black currant and black cherry fruit. Full-bodied, dense, powerful, and moderately tannic, it is, by the standards of high end North Coast Cabernet Sauvignons, a very good bargain. Moreover, it will evolve for two decades or more.
Score: 93.
—Robert Parker,
December
2008.
Wine Enthusiast
Monte Rosso red wines are always big, but this may be the most intense Cabernet ever to come from that mountain vineyard. It’s in keeping with the Sbragia style of extreme ripeness and oak. Almost sweet, but really dry, it erupts in black currant, chocolate and smoky oak flavors, and needs time in the cellar to calm down. Best after 2011.
Score: 92.
—Steve Heimoff,
April
01,
2009.
Wine Spectator
Starts out supple and graceful, with ripe plum, wild berry and black cherry fruit, firming up nicely on the finish, where the tannins have grip as well as texture and length. Drink now through 2015.
Score: 90.
—James Laube,
October
15,
2008.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
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